The Vertical Buzz

Welcome to The Vertical Buzz, where vertical entertainment finds its voice. This week, host Buzz Leer sits down with Royce Lundquist, one of the most exciting new leading men in the vertical space, to talk about his fast rise as an actor, his creative roots, and the new ventures he is building beyond the screen. Royce shares his journey from being a homeschooled theater kid in a Navy family, to studying at the Orange County School of the Arts, Pace University, and Loyola Marymount University, to finding his way into vertical films with Queen of the Court. He also talks about surfing, discipline, SoCal roots, and why determination has shaped both his acting career and his entrepreneurial path. Then Buzz and Royce dive into the craft of vertical acting, what makes a true leading man in the 9:16 world, and how the space is changing as new platforms and creators push for more elevated storytelling. Royce also breaks down Playback, To Her Beat, Monkey Boy Films, and his new real estate storytelling venture with The Ivy Group, including Open House Open House and The Duel. In this episode, you will learn: • How Royce Lundquist went from theater kid to vertical leading man • Why surfing, discipline, and determination shaped his creative mindset • How Royce found vertical films and what changed his mind about the format • What it was like working on Queen of the Court, Call Sign Legacy, To Her Beat, and Playback • How vertical acting demands preparation, specificity, and strong character choices • What fans respond to in a great vertical leading man • Why the vertical space is moving beyond formula and into more elevated storytelling • How Monkey Boy Films started and what Royce is building as a director and producer • How Open House Open House and The Duel are turning real estate marketing into cinematic storytelling • Why Royce sees vertical entertainment as unpredictable, fast-moving, and full of opportunity Chapters 00:00 Vertical Buzz Intro 01:17 Meet Royce Lundquist 03:27 Theater Kid Origins 05:28 SoCal Roots and Commute 07:32 Surfing and Determination 11:01 Finding Vertical Films 15:27 Call Sign Legacy Stories 20:35 Vertical Craft and Set Life 28:16 Sponsor Break Aeiro 29:28 Leading Man and Elevating Space 42:04 Royce's New Ventures 43:15 Playback Story Breakdown 44:19 Mexico City Shoot 44:39 Monkey Boys Origins 46:22 First Musical Vertical 48:55 Trailer Reactions 52:19 Sponsor Break Aeiro 53:23 Monkey Boy Business Model 59:14 Open House 01:02:21 The Duel And Wrap Up Sponsor: AEIRO (Arrow Air Purifiers) AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces. Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150, powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA plus carbon filtration. Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Royce Lundquist Royce Lundquist is an LA-based actor, filmmaker, musician, and entrepreneur whose creative roots began in childhood as part of a Navy family living in cities around the country and abroad. He trained at the Orange County School of the Arts, studied in New York at Pace University, and earned his BA in Theater Arts from Loyola Marymount University. As an actor, Royce has appeared in award-winning films including 34902, Love’s Perfect Song, Wanted, and Queen of the Court, the project that introduced him to the vertical format. He is also the co-founder of Monkey Boy Films, where he directs and produces across film, music, commercial work, and cinematic real estate storytelling. Instagram: @royce_lundquist Host: Buzz Leer Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space. Instagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio Production Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Theme Song by Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley The Vertical Buzz Theme Song Public Relations and Media Robb Leer, Leer Communications, Inc. Thank you Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. Host, Buzz Leer

Welcome to The Vertical Buzz, where the vertical entertainment world finds its voice. This week, host Buzz Leer sits down with D'Arcy Smith from the University of Cincinnati to talk about a major shift for the vertical space: vertical storytelling is entering academia. D'Arcy is teaching vertical performance at the university level, which means this format is no longer just something actors stumble into on set. It is becoming something performers can study, train for, and understand before they ever walk into an audition room. Buzz and D'Arcy break down what vertical acting requires, why the style is different from traditional film and TV, how students react to the format, and why more acting programs may need to catch up fast. They also talk about D'Arcy’s student vertical productions, the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards nomination, data and audience reach, why scripts can feel cheesy, and how actors can still ground the work in truth. Then they hit rapid fire, Cincinnati food culture, Findlay Market, voiceover training, motion capture, and the future of digital performance. In this episode, you will learn: • Why vertical storytelling belongs in the classroom • How D'Arcy Smith started teaching vertical performance at the University of Cincinnati • What students first think when they encounter vertical dramas • How acting in verticals differs from traditional film and TV • Why vertical requires emotional commitment, physicality, and speed • How student productions are being built around short vertical episodes • What the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards nomination meant for the program • Why academia needs to adapt as vertical entertainment grows • How data, views, and global reach change the way creators understand audiences • Why actors need to “eat the cheese” while still grounding the story in truth • How voiceover, motion capture, and digital performance connect to the future of acting Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Vertical Buzz 01:08 Meet D'Arcy Smith 02:30 Why Teach Verticals 04:43 Curriculum Pushback 06:23 Inside the Class 07:03 Acting Style Shift 09:03 Student Productions Setup 13:04 Award Nomination Story 17:42 Academia Must Adapt 25:19 Data and Audience Reach 39:12 Eat The Cheese 39:45 Why Scripts Feel Cheesy 41:14 Ground It In Truth 42:10 Rapid Fire Begins 42:49 Format Skills And Future 45:37 Cincinnati Food Debate 49:57 Findlay Market Must Do 51:09 Sponsor Break Aiiro 52:33 Awards Community Vibes 54:21 Voice Lab And Wrap Up Sponsor: AEIRO (Arrow Air Purifiers) AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces. Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150, powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA plus carbon filtration. Website: AEIRO.co Guest: D'Arcy Smith D'Arcy Smith is the Director of the Digital Performance Lab at the University of Cincinnati and a professor of acting and voice working at the cutting edge of actor training, motion capture, animation, and digital performance. With more than 20 years of experience as an international voice director and coach, he is also the creator of Vocal Combat Technique, a groundbreaking method used in programs around the world. D'Arcy lives at the intersection of art, technology, and the future of performance, and is helping bring vertical storytelling into academic training. Instagram: @darcysmithdirectlr Host: Buzz Leer Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space. Instagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio Production Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Theme Song Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley, The Vertical Buzz Theme Song Public Relations and Media Robb Leer, Leer Communications, Inc. Thank you Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. Host, Buzz Leer

Welcome to The Vertical Buzz, where the vertical entertainment world finds its voice. This week, host Buzz Leer sits down with Felix Merback, one of the hottest leading men in vertical storytelling right now, to break down what makes this format so addictive, what acting for closeups really demands, and why the vertical boom is still wide open for creators who are willing to move fast. Felix shares his origin story from arriving in LA post-2020 to booking his first vertical, why the Wild West era was the perfect time to get in, and how he had to recalibrate his craft for the phone booth frame of 9:16. Then Buzz and Felix go deeper into the business side, including the origin of FMA Productions and how a new wave of creators is trying to push vertical storytelling forward without alienating the audience that made the format explode. They also hit rapid fire, set life snacks, dream co-stars, on-set red flags, hidden talents, and the pressure every creator feels to capitalize on this moment while the industry is still being built in real time. In this episode, you will learn: • What acting for vertical closeups forces you to unlearn and rebuild as a performer • Why vertical hooks audiences so fast, and why it is hard to stop at one episode • Why getting in early mattered and what the Wild West taught the pioneers • The difference between being a working actor in verticals versus being labeled a vertical actor • The origin of FMA Productions and how Felix is thinking like a builder, not just a lead • How vertical storytelling is changing, including what needs to evolve next • Rapid fire takes, set snacks, dream co-stars, and red flags on set • How Felix thinks about fame versus control, and the pressure to capitalize • What makes verticals viral, and what the future of vertical Hollywood could look like Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Vertical Buzz 01:31 Meet Felix Merback 03:26 Felix Origin Story 05:30 Acting for Vertical Closeups 09:18 Why Vertical Hooks Us 10:43 Early Adopters and Wild West 14:15 Working Actor vs Vertical Actor 20:11 Sponsor Break Aero AC150 21:10 FMA Productions Origin 28:37 Changing Vertical Storytelling 37:12 Rapid Fire Warmup 38:05 Set Life Snacks 38:24 Dream Co Star Pick 39:13 On Set Red Flags 40:21 Hidden Talents Revealed 41:41 Fame Versus Control 42:03 Pressure To Capitalize 45:29 Future Of Vertical Hollywood 46:58 What Makes Verticals Viral 57:48 Projects Fans And Farewell Sponsor: AEIRO (Arrow Air Purifiers) AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces. Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150, powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA plus carbon filtration. Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Felix Merback Felix Merback is an LA-based actor and producer and one of the biggest breakout names in vertical storytelling today. He has become a go-to leading man in micro dramas, with viral projects including Game of Choice and Billionaire Daddy. Felix got to Los Angeles in 2021, booked his first vertical in 2023, and has built a full-time career in the space while continuing to work in traditional film and television. He is also a co-founder of FMA Productions, a new production company focused on expanding what vertical storytelling can be, with projects designed to bridge vertical audiences with more elevated filmmaking. Instagram: @Felix_Merback Host: Buzz Leer Instagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio Production Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Theme Song: Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley The Vertical Buzz Theme Song Public Relations and Media: Robb Leer Leer Communications, Inc. Thank you Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. Host, Buzz Leer

This week on The Vertical Buzz, Season 2 kicks off with the person who helped legitimize  the vertical space in Los Angeles. Host Buzz Leer sits down with Tina Contogenis, founder of Eris Talent Agency, to break down why vertical is no longer a trend, how the money and views proved the model, and what actors need to understand if they want to compete in the fastest-growing lane of entertainment. Tina shares the moment she realized actors were earning real money, how Eris built the first agency division focused specifically on vertical content, and what has changed as the space matures from Wild West chaos into a structured marketplace. They also get into what casting is actually prioritizing right now, why vertical is becoming a smarter path than traditional TV for many performers, and what the next wave looks like as AI, deepfakes, and new laws start to collide with talent rights. The episode includes rapid fire takes, must-watch apps, Eris's strict “no assholes” policy, and a day-in-the-life look at what a modern talent agency is juggling with the vertical boom. In this episode, you will learn: • Why Season 2 is about defining the space, not just discovering it • What the first vertical wakeup moment looked like from an agent’s perspective • How views and money proved vertical is an industry, not an experiment • What changed from the early Wild West days to today’s more structured ecosystem • What casting looks for right now, including pace, looks, and versatility • Why vertical wins for working actors, and how to build a real vertical strategy • Must-watch vertical apps and where the best opportunities are heading • The “no assholes” policy and why set culture matters more than ever • AI threats, deepfakes, and what new law is trying to do about it • The future of vertical economics, rates, and how the space may evolve next Chapters 00:00 Season Two Begins 00:47 Vertical Revolution 01:48 Industry Gets Real 02:57 Meet Tina Aris 04:57 First Vertical Wakeup 06:57 Views Money Proof 08:59 From Wild West 21:18 Casting Looks Talent 26:04 Sponsor Break 27:05 Why Vertical Wins 37:32 Rapid Fire Takes 38:34 Must Watch Vertical Apps 39:50 No Assholes Policy 40:59 AI Threats Ahead 42:36 Deepfakes And New Law 45:09 Future Of Vertical Economics 51:00 Tina Agent Origin Story 52:51 Aris Entertainment Expansion 56:03 Boundaries Intimacy Negotiations 01:01:51 Day In The Life Wrap Up Sponsor: AEIRO (Arrow Air Purifiers) AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces. Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150, powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA plus carbon filtration. Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Tina Contogenis Tina Contogenis is the founder and president of Eris Talent Agency, an international talent agency representing actors and creators across film, television, streaming, and the rapidly expanding vertical drama marketplace. Under her leadership, Eris Talent developed the first agency division focused specifically on vertical content, representing both actors and production companies in the space. She also leads Aris Entertainment, the agency’s development arm, and serves on the board of the Association of Talent Agents. Tina is a voting member of the Television Academy, and Eris Talent is bi-coastal with additional offices in Mexico City and an affiliate in London. Instagram: @tinacontogenis Host: Buzz Leer Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space. Instagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio Production Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Theme Song: Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley The Vertical Buzz Theme Song Public Relations and Media: Robb Leer Leer Communications, Inc. Thank you Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. Host, Buzz Leer

Welcome to the Season 1 finale of The Vertical Buzz. This is a special edition episode and a full preview of the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards happening this Thursday in Los Angeles. Vertical is moving fast, but the biggest story is even bigger: fans are not just watching anymore. Fans are shaping what wins, what gets made, and what becomes the next breakout. Buzz Leer is joined in studio by Sam Silliman and Amy Sullivan Riley, with Jen Cooper joining remotely from the UK. Jen is the founder of Vertical Drama Love and the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards, and this episode is your inside look at how the awards work, what makes a winner, and why this community has grown into a sold out live Hollywood theatre event with a global live stream. Then the panel breaks down the top nominees in the Vertical of the Year category, reacts to nominee clips, talks genre trends, and debates what is actually pushing the medium forward right now. If you love vertical dramas, this is the episode to watch before the big night. Welcome to the Season 1 finale of The Vertical Buzz. This is a special edition episode and a full preview of the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards happening this Thursday in Los Angeles. Vertical is moving fast, but the biggest story is even bigger: fans are not just watching anymore. Fans are shaping what wins, what gets made, and what becomes the next breakout. Buzz Leer is joined in studio by Sam Silliman and Amy Sullivan Riley, with Jen Cooper joining remotely from the UK. Jen is the founder of Vertical Drama Love and the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards, and this episode is your inside look at how the awards work, what makes a winner, and why this community has grown into a sold out live Hollywood theatre event with a global live stream. Then the panel breaks down the top nominees in the Vertical of the Year category, reacts to nominee clips, talks genre trends, and debates what is actually pushing the medium forward right now. If you love vertical dramas, this is the episode to watch before the big night. In this episode, you will learn: • How the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards works and how the winners are chosen • What separates a nominee from a winner and why global voting matters • What makes a vertical feel like a true Vertical of the Year contender in 2026 • Why vertical is evolving so fast and how audience behavior drives what gets made • Reactions and debate on the top Vertical of the Year nominees across multiple platforms • How the Fan Awards grew from an online fan project into a live event in Los Angeles • Where vertical entertainment is headed next and what fans are demanding more of Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Fan Awards 01:32 Meet the Panel 02:11 Amy Sullivan Riley Spotlight 03:36 Sam Silliman Spotlight 05:01 Jen Cooper Spotlight 06:37 How the Awards Work 08:54 What Makes a Winner 20:07 Sponsor Break 21:13 Nominee Clips Begin 44:56 Halfway Front Runners 49:25 Rom-Com Nostalgia 50:42 Pizza Guys Meet Vampires 52:33 Camp Horror in Vertical 54:54 Queen of the Court 58:04 Sponsor Break Aero AC150 58:44 Queen Never Cry Again 01:02:50 Taming My Bullies 01:07:07 Water Boy BL Hit 01:12:50 Picking the Overall Winner 01:17:33 Fan Awards Origin Story Sponsor: AEIRO (Arrow Air Purifiers) AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces. Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150, powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA plus carbon filtration. Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Sam Silliman (@samanthaalex) Sam Silliman is an award-winning executive producer and showrunner known for crafting high quality digital and narrative content for major platforms including Vice, Hulu, Starz, Netflix, and HBO. Since entering the vertical space in 2023, her projects have generated hundreds of millions of views. She is known for thoughtful leadership, strong collaborations, and prioritizing an exceptional on-set experience. Guest: Amy Sullivan Riley (@amsullz) Amy Sullivan Riley began in traditional film and television before becoming an early adopter in the vertical drama space in the United States. She is currently the Head of US Content for Flare Flow and has served as head writer and executive producer on more than 15 micro dramas. Her recent hit Oops, I Married My Bestie’s Brother reached a record 220 million views in 10 days. Guest: Jen Cooper (@verticaldramalove) Jen Cooper is the founder of Vertical Drama Love and a globally recognized voice in vertical and micro dramas. Through reviews, commentary, and fan driven initiatives like the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards, she has helped connect fans, creators, and industry professionals worldwide. The awards drew tens of thousands of votes across more than 100 countries and are bringing the community together in Los Angeles for a live celebration. Host: Buzz Leer Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space. Instagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio Production Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Theme Song: Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley The Vertical Buzz Theme Song Public Relations and Media: Rob Leer Leer Communications, Inc. Thank you Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. Host, Buzz Leer

Welcome to The Vertical Buzz. Host Buzz Leer sits down with actor, writer, and director Rick Shepherd to talk about what happens when a traditionally trained filmmaker jumps into vertical storytelling and has to rethink everything for the 9:16 frame. Rick shares his Cleveland performance roots, his training across Case Western Reserve University and grad programs in London and Columbia University, and how COVID became the unexpected runway that pushed him deeper into indie filmmaking, collaboration, and ultimately vertical series. From there, the conversation gets practical and specific: what makes vertical different from horizontal, which genres can thrive in the tall frame, and why indie filmmakers may be sitting on a once-in-a-generation opportunity while the ecosystem is still being built. Buzz and Rick also dive into Rick’s horror vertical series Dead Signal, including what it took to build a higher-quality project with recognizable vertical talent and why horror and action can be perfect for the vertical format. They close with rapid fire, a Cleveland detour, and a real conversation about the fight for the vertical ecosystem as bigger Hollywood players move in and the current platforms decide what the future looks like. In this episode, you will learn: • How Rick Shepherd’s early performance life and theater training shaped his filmmaking mindset • How COVID, indie films, and community collaboration helped Rick transition into vertical work • What it takes to enter vertical filmmaking as a director and actor, even if you come from traditional cinema • Dead Signal and what goes into producing an elevated genre vertical series • Vertical vs horizontal storytelling and how the tall frame changes opportunity, staging, and genre • Why indie filmmakers may have more opportunity in vertical right now than in traditional film and TV • The future of vertical entertainment and why creators need a seat at the table as the space grows • Rapid fire takes plus Cleveland talk, Polish Boys, and the Christmas Story house Chapters 0:00 Intro & Welcome 3:27 Rick Shepherd Bio 8:35 Early Life & Performance Roots 11:20 COVID, Indie Films & Moving to LA 13:55 Entering Vertical Filmmaking 21:26 Dead Signal: The Horror Series 25:24 Vertical vs Horizontal Storytelling 31:23 The Future of Vertical Entertainment 42:31 Rapid Fire & Cleveland Chat 47:53 Opportunities for Indie Filmmakers 55:13 Dream Vertical Project 58:21 The Fight for the Vertical Ecosystem Sponsor: AEIRO (Arrow Air Purifiers) AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces. Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150, powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA plus carbon filtration. Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Rick Shepherd Rick Shepherd is a Los Angeles based filmmaker and actor from Cleveland, Ohio. He holds a BA in Acting from Case Western Reserve University, an MA in Directing from East 15 Acting School in London, and a second master’s in Film and Literature from Columbia University. Rick began as an actor in independent films before moving behind the camera to write and direct, with a focus on performance-driven storytelling. He directs and produces vertical series, performs as a lead actor, is part of a MO Pictures vertical screenwriters talent pool, and founded Backyard Shorts, a company dedicated to developing vertical projects and supporting independent filmmakers. Instagram: @realrickshepherd Host: Buzz Leer Instagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio Production Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Theme Song: Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley The Vertical Buzz Theme Song Public Relations and Media: Robb Leer Leer Communications, Inc. Thank you Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. Host, Buzz Leer

This week, Buzz is joined by Emma Reinagel, one of the most highly sought-after rising stars in the vertical entertainment world. Emma and Buzz break down what it really takes to act in 9:16, why the format is exploding, and how the next generation of actors is using verticals as a fast-track training ground. They also talk about their feature film The Abduction of Sal Bedford, a found footage documentary-style sci-fi horror that won Best Sci-Fi Feature at the LA Independent Film Festival, plus what a typical vertical day looks like when you are moving nonstop for 12 hours and the script is still evolving. Emma shares practical advice for actors who want to break in, how she builds character playlists, and why vertical performance is intentionally bigger while still needing truth and nuance. The episode closes with fan connections, social media growth, and where vertical entertainment might be headed as AI ramps up. In this episode, you will learn: • What made The Abduction of Sal Bedford such a unique acting challenge and why the table read mattered • Emma’s journey from St. Louis to LA and how she booked her first LA project fast • What Emma’s first vertical experience was like and why early scripts could be messy • Acting in verticals vs traditional film, including size, speed, and client notes on set • What a typical day on a vertical set looks like when you are in every scene • Rapid fire Q and A, including character playlists and what makes someone stop scrolling • How fans connect and how Emma’s social media has grown in the last few months • Where vertical entertainment could go next, including AI, quality shifts, and safer sets • Advice for young actors on how to start, what to submit, and how to be a great teammate on set Chapters 0:00 Intro 3:42 The Abduction of Sal Bedford 8:25 Emma’s Journey from St. Louis to L.A. 13:55 First Vertical Film Experience 19:45 Acting in Verticals vs Traditional Film 27:07 A Typical Day on a Vertical Set 38:29 Rapid Fire Q&A 44:36 Fan Connections & Social Media 46:50 The Future of Vertical Entertainment 56:55 Advice for Young Actors Sponsor: AEIRO (Arrow Air Purifiers) AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces. Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150, powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA plus carbon filtration. Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Emma Reinagel Emma Reinagel is a Los Angeles based actor and producer originally from St. Louis, Missouri. After earning her BFA in Acting from Missouri State University, she moved to LA and quickly began working across film and television. She has starred in 10+ feature films and 20+ vertical series, and she is also producing new projects with a focus on empowered female leads, diverse casts, and safe, positive sets for cast and crew. Instagram: @emmareinagel Host: Buzz Leer Instagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio Production Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Theme Song by Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley "The Vertical Buzz Theme Song" Public Relations and Media: Robb Leer Leer Communications, Inc. Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. -Host, Buzz Leer

This week on The Vertical Buzz, host Buzz Leer sits down with Noah Fearnley, one of the most in-demand actors in vertical entertainment right now, to talk about what it takes to work at a high level in two worlds at the same time: vertical storytelling and traditional television. Noah opens up about the real grind behind the momentum, from juggling nonstop vertical shoots to stepping into major press for Love Story (FX, Hulu, Disney+), the series about JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette where Noah plays Michael Bergin. They also dig into his path from football and a major injury, to modeling, to moving to Los Angeles with almost nothing, to booking work, surviving the strike, and then exploding in verticals with 50+ projects. The conversation gets personal and meaningful as Noah shares his mental health journey, what success does and does not change, and why he is now building a mental health foundation. Then they close with a big look ahead at the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards, the energy of bringing the community together in person, and what comes next for Noah. In this episode, you will learn: • How Noah Fearnley went from football and a knee injury to acting full time • The realities of building an acting career through the strike and hard financial seasons • How vertical storytelling hooked Noah and why he believes actors should start in verticals • The key differences between vertical sets and traditional sets, including pace and prep • What it was like stepping into the FX, Hulu, Disney+ world on Love Story • What people never warn you about success and why it does not fix what is happening inside • Noah’s approach to staying grounded and why he protects the fans by staying intentional • The mental health conversation and Noah’s plan to launch a foundation • Why the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards matters and what the in-person energy will be like Chapters 00:00 Meet Noah Fearnley 02:34 Bio and Big Credits 05:02 Busy Life and Press 08:42 From Football to Verticals 21:15 Love Story Casting Journey 34:30 Staying Vertical Long Term 36:47 Rapid Fire Hot Takes 40:51 Success Pressure and Staying Grounded 50:40 Mental Health and New Foundation 01:02:58 Awards and Final Wrap Sponsor: AEIRO (Arrow Air Purifiers) AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces. Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150, powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA plus carbon filtration. Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Noah Fearnley Noah Fearnley is an American actor from Orange, Connecticut, making serious noise in the fast-rising world of vertical storytelling. With leading roles across Apple TV, Hulu, and the Lifetime Network and more than 50 vertical films under his belt, Noah has quickly become one of the genre’s most recognizable faces. He made his theatrical debut in the 2026 film Mercy alongside Chris Pratt and now plays Michael Bergin in the FX series currently on Hulu and Disney+ Love Story, the story of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. Before the camera, Noah built four companies. Off set, he is restoring his 68 Mustang, hanging with his dogs, or getting in a daily workout. Instagram: @noahfearnleyy Host: Buzz Leer Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space. Instagram: @buzz_leer Produced at Glendale Podcast Studio Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Coordinator: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Theme Song Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley, The Vertical Buzz Theme Song Public Relations and Media Robb Leer, Leer Communications, Inc. Thank you Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. Host, Buzz Leer

This week on The Vertical Buzz, host Buzz Leer sits down with Danny Farber, a Chicago-born director, actor, writer, and producer who has been crushing it in vertical entertainment across multiple countries and platforms. They kick things off with a cold open on why vertical is not just a phone rotation, it is a storytelling shift that changes framing, blocking, pacing, and emotion. Danny shares how he broke into verticals as a director, why the trend vs format debate is missing the bigger point, and what makes a great vertical performance when the screen is small but the moment has to stop the scroll. They also get real about creative pitfalls, the client and platform dynamic, and why detachment matters when you do not own the final cut. Then Buzz and Danny go deep on Chicago. Why is there a vertical boom coming, what is the reality of tax credits and sets, and what would it take to build a real pipeline there. The episode finishes with rapid fire predictions and a breakdown of a standout cake scene that became a fan-favorite moment. In this episode, you will learn: • How Danny Farber got his first vertical directing break and what the ramp-up really looks like • Why vertical storytelling is changing the language of film and how pacing becomes the secret weapon • The trend vs format debate and where vertical fits alongside traditional film and TV • Performance pitfalls actors and directors hit in vertical and how to avoid them • What is happening in Chicago and why it may be the next major vertical production hub • The sets, tax credits, and infrastructure reality behind building a Chicago pipeline • Rapid fire takes on the future of vertical and what is coming next • A scene breakdown on the viral cake moment and how those beats get built for the audience Chapters 00:00 Show Cold Open 00:08 Vertical Storytelling Shift 01:40 Meet Danny Farber 03:37 Music Side Quest 05:24 First Vertical Breakthrough 12:03 Trend or Format Debate 17:15 Performance and Pitfalls 43:26 Chicago Vertical Boom 44:14 Sets Tax Credits Reality 45:39 Build Chicago Pipeline 46:00 Chicago Love And Winters 48:41 Rapid Fire Vertical Future 55:55 Cake Scene Breakdown 01:10:54 Cheer Up, Baby Trailer and Wrap Up Guest: Danny Farber Danny Farber is a Chicago-born director, actor, writer, and producer with over a decade in the entertainment industry. Based in Los Angeles and working internationally, he has built a diverse portfolio spanning vertical dramas, commercials, music videos, and narrative content. Since 2023, Farber has directed more than twenty feature-length vertical dramas for platforms including ReelShort, Dramabox, and Goodshort, with projects shot in Los Angeles, Istanbul, London, and Vancouver. His award-winning short film Thoughts and Prayers was executive produced by Amy Poehler. As an actor, Farber has appeared in 1923, Chicago Fire, and Proven Innocent, and continues to create and perform in projects driven by his signature creative hustle. Instagram: @sirdannyfarber Host: Buzz Leer Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space. Instagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio Production Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Producer: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Music: Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley The Vertical Buzz Theme Song Public Relations and Media: Robb Leer Leer Communications, Inc. Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. -Host, Buzz Leer #VerticalFilm #VerticalDrama #MicroDrama #Acting #ActorsLife #Filmmaking #MobileStorytelling #ShortForm #VerticalSeries #TheVerticalBuzz

This week on The Vertical Buzz, host Buzz Leer sits down with Molly Anderson, one of the most dynamic leading ladies in the vertical space, to talk about what it takes to break through, stay relevant, and deliver real performances in a format where you are moving fast, learning tons of pages, and often getting just a take or two. Molly shares her journey from the pinky of Northern Michigan to Los Angeles, how she pushed through the early stigma around verticals and why the format has actually made her a stronger, more present actor. Buzz and Molly also get into what it feels like when a project unexpectedly blows up, how Molly prepares for emotionally heavy work under pressure, and the wild world of vertical fandom: reading comments, fan encounters, and what the audience response says about where vertical entertainment is headed next. In this episode, you will learn: • Molly’s path from Michigan to LA and why acting was never “just a hobby” • What the early vertical stigma felt like and how it is shifting now • How to craft strong performances at high speed when you are doing 15 to 20 pages a day • Why verticals can force actors into a more present, instinctive process with less prep and more truth • The behind-the-scenes reality: limited rehearsal, limited takes, and constant script changes • What vertical fans actually say and how the fanbase is driving bigger industry attention • Favorite fan encounters, including being recognized in the most unglamorous moments • Where verticals are headed and what needs to improve around safety and set culture • Rapid fire takes, dream roles, and what Molly wants next Chapters 00:00 Vertical Buzz Kickoff 01:39 Meet Molly Anderson 04:39 From Michigan to Acting 09:17 First Verticals and Stigma 20:19 Crafting Performances Fast 37:19 Reading Fan Comments 39:49 Favorite Fan Encounters 42:32 Where Verticals Are Headed 52:31 Hollywood Pressure and Set Safety 56:52 Rapid Fire and Wrap Up Sponsor: AEIRO (Arrow Air Purifiers) AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces. Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150, powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA + carbon filtration. Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Molly Anderson Molly Anderson is a vertical actress (since 2023) with nearly 40 vertical credits and growing. She is also the creator of Verticalandia, a sketch series celebrating (and roasting) the vertical world. Instagram/TikTok: @mmactuj & @verticalandia Host: Buzz Leer Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space. Instagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio Production Owned and operated by Erika and Jason Hanan Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Producer: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Music: Grace Leer and Bryan Dawley The Vertical Buzz Theme Song Public Relations and Media: Robb Leer Leer Communications, Inc. Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. -Host, Buzz Leer #VerticalFilm #VerticalDrama #MicroDrama #Acting #ActorsLife #Filmmaking #MobileStorytelling #ShortForm #VerticalSeries #TheVerticalBuzz

This week on The Vertical Buzz, host Buzz Leer sits down with Kylie Karson—actor, director, and co-founder of CheraTV—for a deep dive into where vertical entertainment is headed, what’s broken in the current ecosystem, and what it looks like to build something more ethical and creator-first from the inside. Kylie shares her unbelievable journey from growing up in a religious family to college, then hustling in marketing before making the leap to Los Angeles—where she went on to star in 17 vertical series and ultimately co-found CheraTV, a bold new platform aiming to elevate the format with better storytelling, better culture, and better opportunities for artists. They talk about vertical speed vs. Hollywood, why “imperfect” visuals can actually win, the power of natural light, how client notes can derail sets, and the mission to create healthier environments for creatives. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Kylie’s origin story: from a spiritual upbringing to college, and the mindset shift that fueled her ambition • How a marketing hustle helped her build momentum—and why she chose LA anyway • How Kylie discovered vertical films—and why CheraTV is betting on elevated, creator-first storytelling • Why “perfect” isn’t always better: how imperfect looks can feel more real (and more cinematic) • Kylie’s “natural light” revelation—and what it changes about production value • The biggest difference between vertical speed and traditional Hollywood workflows • Why awards, studio money, and credibility are starting to move into the vertical space • The ethics conversation: what needs fixing on sets—and how to build better culture • What makes the Chera team culture different—and why it matters • The dance-vertical breakthrough behind To Her Beat and why it’s a turning point • Why actors should embrace verticals now—and how verticals can be real training reps Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Vertical Buzz 01:35 Meet Kylie Karson 03:53 From college to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL 06:42 Marketing Hustle to LA 11:44 Vertical Films and CheraTV 30:58 Imperfect Looks Win 31:46 Natural Light Revelation 33:51 Vertical Speed vs Hollywood 35:37 Awards and Studio Money 40:52 Ethics and Better Sets 44:08 CheraTV Team Culture 47:49 Dance Vertical Breakthrough 51:30 Why Embrace Verticals 55:11 Verticals as Actor Training 01:01:07 Final CheraTV Pitch and Wrap Sponsor: AEIRO (Arrow Air Purifiers) AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces. Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150 — powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA + carbon filtration. Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Kylie Karson Kylie Karson is an actor, director, and co-founder of Chera TV, a creator-first vertical streaming platform focused on bold, elevated storytelling. Originally from Florida, she moved to Los Angeles five years ago to pursue acting and went on to star in 17 vertical series, in addition to working in the independent film space. Her experience in the vertical world sparked a drive to elevate the format, make it more ethical for artists, and create sustainable job opportunities for creatives. That mission led her into directing and co-founding Chera TV, where she directed the platform’s second original series, To Her Beat. Kylie is committed to reshaping the entertainment industry into a more artist-driven ecosystem—one where creators not only tell the stories, but truly benefit from them. Instagram: @TheKylieKarson Instagram: @CheraTV TikTok: @TheKylieKarson Host: Buzz Leer Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space. Instagram: @buzz_leer A Glendale Podcast Studio Production Owned & operated by Erika & Jason Hanan Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio Social Media Producer: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Music by Grace Leer & Bryan Dawley “The Vertical Buzz Theme Song” Public Relations & Media: Robb Leer Leer Communications, Inc. Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. —Host, Buzz Leer #VerticalFilm #VerticalDrama #MicroDrama #Filmmaking #MobileStorytelling #ShortForm #VerticalSeries #TheVerticalBuzz

This week on The Vertical Buzz, host Buzz Leer sits down with Cayman Cardiff—one of the leading male actors in verticals—to talk craft, career strategy, and what it really takes to become recognizable (and re-bookable) in a format where you only get seconds to connect. From a surprising pivot from pre-med to acting, to early bookings, joining SAG, and a breakout run that exploded on DramaBox, Cayman shares how he approached verticals when there was still stigma around the space—and why he decided to go all in anyway. They also get into branding, choosing roles, client notes on set, why natural light can be magic, and Cayman's best advice for longevity: be solutions, not problems.   In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why Cayman walked away from a pre-med path to pursue acting—and how fast his early bookings hit • How he got into SAG and what that “confidence checkmark” meant early on • The Toronto vertical breakthrough that accelerated everything (and how the opportunities stacked) • The early stigma around verticals—and why Cayman chose to commit anyway • What it looks like to “blow up” on DramaBox—and how it impacts offers and typecasting • How Cayman chooses roles, protects his brand, and avoids scripts that don’t align • Why the business side of verticals is accelerating—and what the next few years could bring • How to handle client notes on set and stay locked in as a performer • Longevity advice: gratitude, professionalism, and showing up with solutions—not negativity   Chapters 00:00 Welcome and guest intro 02:00 Reading Cayman’s bio 04:10 From pre-med to acting 07:36 First bookings and SAG 10:13 Verticals breakthrough in Toronto 11:10 Early stigma and going all in 14:07 Blowing up on DramaBox 15:04 Choosing roles and brand 19:45 Sponsor break AERO.co 21:00 Business and future of verticals 31:33 Natural light magic 32:41 Client notes on set 34:19 Advice for longevity 39:10 Solutions not problems 40:40 Rapid fire and future 50:50 Wrapping it up   Sponsor: AEIRO Air Purifiers AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces. Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150 — powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA + carbon filtration. Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Cayman Cardiff Cayman Cardiff grew up in the South and received his Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in Spanish at the University of Utah. He began his acting career in middle school in Musical Theater and continued throughout high school, performing in leading roles. After graduating college, he moved to Los Angeles where he successfully started acting full-time. Within the first four months, he booked two commercials and his first movie for Lifetime. More projects soon followed, immediately launching his acting career. Starring in Vertical Micro Dramas he's now led in over 25 with more scheduled producing, writing, and directing projects to come in 2026. Instagram / TikTok / Facebook: @caymancardiff   Host: Buzz Leer Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space. Instagram: @buzz_leer   A Glendale Podcast Studio Production Owned & operated by Erika & Jason Hanan Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio   Social Media Producer: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano   Music by Grace Leer & Bryan Dawley “The Vertical Buzz Theme Song”   Public Relations & Media: Robb Leer Leer Communications, Inc.   Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. —Host, Buzz Leer   #VerticalFilm #VerticalDrama #MicroDrama #Filmmaking #MobileStorytelling #ActorsLife #VerticalSeries #TheVerticalBuzz

Description In filmmaking, some of the most powerful moments can also be the most dangerous—or the most vulnerable. In this episode of The Vertical Buzz, host Buzz Leer sits down with Aaron Feder—one of the leading stunt + intimacy coordinators in the vertical film world—to break down the unseen work that keeps sets safe, performers protected, and stories honest. From the core principles of stunt work (think: angles, dummies, and doubles) to the real-world liability behind on-set safety, Aaron explains what coordinators actually do, what productions often miss, and how vertical’s speed changes everything. Then we go deep on intimacy: the levels of intimacy, why “no surprises” is the golden rule, how boundaries get communicated, and what happens when a coordinator has to stop the day due to pushback from production.   In this episode, you’ll learn: • What stunt coordinators and intimacy coordinators actually do—and why both roles are about safety (physical + emotional) • Why a coordinator must be comfortable saying “no” (and thinking, “Would I explain this to a judge?”) • How vertical’s pace is fueling a boom in stunts/intimacy work—and forcing new on-set “tricks” • The levels of intimacy (1–5) and how that framework protects actors and keeps expectations clear • How to set boundaries early, build trust fast, and run scenes with no surprises • Why budget limitations don’t eliminate safety—they just change how you shoot the moment • What it looks like when a coordinator stops the day, handles pushback, and keeps talent protected • Where vertical films are headed next—and what genres could thrive as the audience evolves   Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 03:26 What Coordinators Do 05:16 Stunts Origins and Lessons 07:04 On Set Safety and Liability 21:16 Vertical Boom and New Tricks 34:42 Intimacy Levels Explained 36:09 Boundaries and No Surprises 37:38 Budget Limits and Safety 40:12 Stopping the Set and Pushback 56:18 Verticals Future and Final Wrap   Sponsor: AEIRO (Arrow Air Purifiers) AEIRO Air Purifiers help identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create a cleaner indoor environment for homes and professional spaces. Featured in this episode: AEIRO AC150 — powerful enough to clean rooms 300+ sq ft, quiet enough for production, with smart sensor controls and true HEPA + carbon filtration. Website: AEIRO.co   Guest: Aaron Feder From child actor and early stunt training to an award-winning international hospitality career, Aaron Feder walked away from it all to return to film. Today, he’s a leading stunt and intimacy coordinator in the vertical space, with over 100 projects and credits including Discovery+, Monster Season 3, and Spider-Man Noir. Instagram: @inequal.parts   Host: Buzz Leer Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space. Instagram: @buzz_leer   The Vertical Buzz is a Glendale Podcast Studio Production Produced by Erika & Jason Hanan Instagram: @glendalepodcaststudio   Social Media Producer: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano   Music by Grace Leer & Bryan Dawley “The Vertical Buzz Theme Song”   Public Relations & Media: Robb Leer — Leer Communications, Inc.   Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. —Host, Buzz Leer   #VerticalFilm #VerticalDrama #MicroDrama #Stunts #IntimacyCoordinator #SetSafety #Filmmaking #MobileStorytelling #ShortForm #VerticalSeries #TheVerticalBuzz

Description In Episode 3 (Part 2) of The Vertical Buzz, host Buzz Leer continues his conversation with Michael Naizu, an Asian American actor, writer, producer, and director whose work spans film, television, and vertical storytelling. Michael tells stories about his work in Vertical films and his own feature film, Bound for Glory. Sponsor: AEIRO AEIRO Air Purifiers identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create an optimal indoor environment for homes and professional spaces. Featured on set at Glendale Podcast Studio: AEIRO AC-150 Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Michael Naizu Michael Naizu is an Asian American actor, writer, producer, and director whose work spans film, television, and vertical storytelling. He is the founder of PinkHouse Productions and has starred in multiple hit vertical series, including My Secret Agent Husband. His acting credits include Amazon's Christmas Is Canceled and HBO's Hacks.  Naizu first created Bound For Glory as a short film in 2020, which was licensed to Asian American streaming platform JoySauce. He has since expanded the project into a feature, which he co-wrote, co-directed, produced, and starred in, recently completing production and set to premiere on the festival circuit in 2026. Instagram  @Michaelnaizu Host: Buzz Leer Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space with 30+ vertical short-form features to his credit, plus TV/film work including HGTV’s House Detective (65 episodes), FOX’s neXt, NBC’s Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire, and more. Instagram: @buzz_leer Produced at Glendale Podcast Studio Owned & operated by Erika & Jason Hanan Instagram: @GlendalePodcastStudio Social Media Producer: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Music by Grace Leer & Bryan Dawley — “The Vertical Buzz Theme Song” Public Relations & Media: Robb Leer — Leer Communications, Inc. Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. —Host, Buzz Leer #VerticalFilm #VerticalDrama #MicroDrama #Filmmaking #MobileStorytelling #Directing #FilmProduction #TheVerticalBuzz

Description What does it take to act in vertical films? In Episode 3 (Part 1) of The Vertical Buzz, host Buzz Leer sits down with Michael Naizu, an Asian American actor, writer, producer, and director whose work spans film, television, and vertical storytelling. Together, Buzz and Michael break down everything about acting and emoting on vertical film sets. Sponsor: AEIRO AEIRO Air Purifiers identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create an optimal indoor environment for homes and professional spaces. Featured on set at Glendale Podcast Studio: AEIRO AC-150 Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Michael Naizu Michael Naizu is an Asian American actor, writer, producer, and director whose work spans film, television, and vertical storytelling. He is the founder of PinkHouse Productions and has starred in multiple hit vertical series, including My Secret Agent Husband. His acting credits include Amazon's Christmas Is Canceled and HBO's Hacks.  Naizu first created Bound For Glory as a short film in 2020, which was licensed to Asian American streaming platform JoySauce. He has since expanded the project into a feature, which he co-wrote, co-directed, produced, and starred in, recently completing production and set to premiere on the festival circuit in 2026. Instagram  @Michaelnaizu Host: Buzz Leer Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space with 30+ vertical short-form features to his credit, plus TV/film work including HGTV’s House Detective (65 episodes), FOX’s neXt, NBC’s Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire, and more. Instagram: @buzz_leer Produced at Glendale Podcast Studio Owned & operated by Erika & Jason Hanan Instagram: @GlendalePodcastStudio Social Media Producer: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Music by Grace Leer & Bryan Dawley — “The Vertical Buzz Theme Song” Public Relations & Media: Robb Leer — Leer Communications, Inc. Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. —Host, Buzz Leer #VerticalFilm #VerticalDrama #MicroDrama #Filmmaking #MobileStorytelling #Directing #FilmProduction #TheVerticalBuzz

Description What does it really take to direct vertical films? In Episode 2 of The Vertical Buzz, host Buzz Leer sits down with Amber Neukum, LA-based director/writer/producer and a driving force behind Juice Box Films, to break down the pace, platform rules, and on-set realities of directing in the vertical space. From shooting 10 pages a day (and sometimes far more) to navigating coverage formulas, performance constraints, and “extra voices” that show up mid-shoot, Amber shares what separates smooth, respectful sets from chaotic ones—and why verticals can be the best “reps” a director or actor can get right now. In this episode, you’ll learn: What’s different about directing vertical vs. horizontal storytelling (stamina, pacing, performance) Why vertical productions often live in a 1 to 2 take reality and what that demands from actors + crew The platform-driven coverage formula (wide/close/insert, stunt coverage, slow-mo rules) Framing rules like why profile can be discouraged (and when it’s allowed) What directors often get wrong on vertical sets (communication, kindness, mobility, tone) How to handle “too many cooks” (co-directors, EPs/platform reps giving notes on set) Why verticals are powerful for skill-building (repetition, low-stakes learning, rapid growth) The future of verticals into 2026 and beyond (more cinematic moves, new genres, bigger players) Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:29 Amber Newcomb's Career Highlights 01:52 Middle School Memories 02:35 Vertical Film Projects 03:17 Challenges and Experiences on Set 06:10 Directing Vertical Films 27:50 Trial by Fire: Filming Amidst Chaos 28:29 Sponsor Break: Arrow Air Purifiers 30:07 The Rise of Vertical Films 32:07 Directing Techniques and Challenges 34:16 Comedy in Vertical Films 46:05 The Future of Vertical Films Sponsor: AEIRO AEIRO Air Purifiers identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants to create an optimal indoor environment for homes and professional spaces. Featured on set at Glendale Podcast Studio: AEIRO AC-150 Website: AEIRO.co Guest: Amber Neukum Amber Neukum is an LA-based director, writer, and producer, and one of the driving forces behind Juice Box Films. This year, her team proudly premiered their latest project at Sundance, earning Oscar-qualifying status. Amber’s films have also been showcased at prestigious festivals such as the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, Mammoth Film Festival, HollyShorts, and the Cannes American Pavilion. Amber began her career in public relations before making a foray into acting, working full-time as an actor in Atlanta, Georgia. She gained experience across television, film, commercials, and short films before transitioning behind the camera. A film school graduate, she brings a multifaceted perspective to her work and continues to focus on telling stories about deeply human, eccentric female characters. Instagram: @ammbz Host: Buzz Leer Buzz Leer is an actor, host, and veteran of the vertical film space with 30+ vertical short-form features to his credit, plus TV/film work including HGTV’s House Detective (65 episodes), FOX’s neXt, NBC’s Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire, and more. Instagram: @buzz_leer Produced at Glendale Podcast Studio Owned & operated by Erika & Jason Hanan Instagram: @GlendalePodcastStudio Social Media Producer: Ana Karina Cano Instagram: @anakarinacano Music by Grace Leer & Bryan Dawley — “The Vertical Buzz Theme Song” Public Relations & Media: Robb Leer — Leer Communications, Inc. Special thanks to all of my support team, friends, and family. —Host, Buzz Leer #VerticalFilm #VerticalDrama #MicroDrama #Filmmaking #MobileStorytelling #Directing #FilmProduction #TheVerticalBuzz

Description What is a vertical film? In the premiere episode of The Vertical Buzz, Buzz Leer sits down with Angela Liu (Head of Production at FlareFlow) to explain the rise of vertical dramas / micro-dramas and how mobile-first storytelling is changing the industry. In this episode: Defining vertical films and micro-dramas Where the format came from and why it’s booming Key production realities (framing, “stacking,” pacing, fast schedules) The business growth behind the trend (from $178M to nearly $700M in U.S. revenue in about a year) What’s next as Hollywood starts paying attention Notes for creators and actors (including SAG / FI-CORE) Sponsor: AEIRO AEIRO Air Purifiers identify, reduce, and monitor airborne contaminants for homes and professional spaces. Featured on set at Glendale Podcast Studio (AC-150). AEIRO.co Guest: Angela Liu — Instagram @angelaliuchen Host: Buzz Leer — Instagram @buzz_leer Studio: Glendale Podcast Studio — Instagram @GlendalePodcastStudio Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 Intro + Guest Welcome 03:49 Vertical Films Explained 09:40 Origins + The Boom 21:08 Genres + Formats 24:01 Production Challenges 31:06 The Future of Vertical Films

A glimpse into the world of Vertical Film with Buzz Leer and guest Angela Liu